Foggy Glass

Foggy glass is one of the
most common complaints regarding windows, even modern windows equipped
with the latest thermal efficiency and energy-saving technology. We
are not talking here about the fogginess that develops on a car window
in cold weather. Foggy glass is often an indicator of a worse problem
with your window. Foggy glass may seem like no small deal but can lead to getting window estimates from contractors in no time.

Broken Seal on Double
Pane Windows

Most windows are equipped
with an airtight seal on the edge of the glass. The seal serves two
main purposes:

1) To secure the window in
the frame.

2) To increase the thermal
efficiency of the window.

However, windows seals can
be very delicate components of a window. If the seal is bent, damaged,
or broken, any amount of air that gets between the window panes will
cause the foggy appearance between your windows. The solution to foggy
windows is to replace the entire pane and reseal the edges. The fogginess
that develops in windows is a result of a broken seal and the buildup
of moisture between the two layers of double-pane windows. Foggy glass
is especially annoying, because the fog cannot be wiped off, and it
won’t simply dry out.

Defective Glazing

Although this is a far less
common problem, some windows may develop a foggy appearance due to the
window’s defective glazing. When a window is treated with a special
coating, additional layer, or glazing, it can develop problems. Sometimes,
this is as simple as a layer developing miniature wrinkles, scratching
of the coating, or the impact of sun/weather. The result is a window
with a foggy appearance.

Condensation

Other times, the foggy appearance
may simply be due to the fact that condensation has built up inside
or outside the window. Warm moist air on the inside of the house, coupled
with cool air on the outside often make windows a prime spot for the
collection of small droplets of moisture.